Get your green thumb on

16 Oct 2012

Southbank locals are being encouraged to find their inner-green-thumb after the launch of a mobile vegetable patch at Federation Square during October.

“Pop-up patch” is an initiative of The Little Veggie Patch Co and business partner Fabian Capomolla is hoping the garden can harness plenty of local support, from residents around Federation Square.

He said the pop-up garden was the perfect way for gardeners of all levels to get back into the dirt, given most high-rise apartment blocks didn’t have veggie gardening facilities.

“Obviously it appeals to people who don’t have the space to create their own veggie patch,” Mr Capomolla pointed out. He also suggested there was a great social aspect to the garden.

“It’s not like a suburban neighbourhood where you can go out onto the street and kick the footy around and socialise with neighbours. This garden can create a space to socialise with neighbours, other than meeting them in the lift.”

He also said the pop-up patch was a great way to educate beginner gardeners that growing a veggie patch is an all year activity.

“Gardening is not just instantly there and it’s done. It’s a 12-month project and we hope to educate people on the whole process.”

Mr Capomolla wants to inspire the community around the CBD to get into gardening, but was also hopeful this pop-up patch proved the idea was sustainable and hoped to gain attention from other major cities around Australia, and the world.

“The garden is using what would otherwise be an unused space. It’s a business model that can be used elsewhere. It’s a sustainable model,” he said.

There are still plenty of plots available for interested Southbank locals and there is also a public garden space, so make sure you get down and check out the pop-up patch, or visit the website for more details www.littleveggiepatchco.com.au